Telecommunication module having a system-data processor for performing at least one telecommunication activity

ABSTRACT

A telecommunication module is provided which includes a system-data processor for carrying out at least one telecommunication activity, a control data processor for automatically executing at least one control command sequence stored in the telecommunication module, the control command sequence being configured in such a way that it triggers the at least one telecommunication activity of the system processor during execution, and a first connector for connecting the telecommunication module to an external electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a telecommunication module having asystem data processor for performing at least one telecommunicationactivity and a first connector for connecting the telecommunicationmodule to an external electronic device.

Telecommunication modules of this kind are known from the prior art. Ingeneral, and also within the context of the present invention,telecommunication modules are defined as telecommunication terminalswhose functionality is limited exclusively to setting up, carrying outand terminating telecommunication connections.

Therefore, telecommunication modules have, for example, no man-machineinterface (MMI) of their own for direct input and output of data by andto a user. For operating a conventional telecommunication module of thiskind, an external electronic device is necessary which is connected tothe telecommunication module via a special interface. Thetelecommunication activities of the telecommunication module arecontrolled via the external electronic device which is generally termeda control unit or “controller.” Data to be transmitted via thetelecommunication connection set up is transmitted by the controller tothe telecommunication module and data received by the module is, inturn, transmitted from it to the controller. There are telecommunicationmodules, for example, for interfacing with mobile telecommunicationnetworks (e.g., GSM modules for connections to GSM networks) or to fixedtelephone networks (such modules are generally referred to as modems).

External electronic devices may include personal computers (inparticular, portable personal computers, such as laptops), as well asother devices such as measuring instruments (e.g., electricity meters,heating meters, weather stations) which can be controlled via thetelecommunication module and/or transmit the measured values via thetelecommunication module and the corresponding telecommunication networkto a central facility.

The disadvantage of telecommunication modules of this kind is that theiractivities must be started by an external control device, thecontroller. To operate the telecommunication module, the controllertherefore always must be switched on; i.e., even if only in a kind of“standby mode” in readiness for receiving an incoming call. This causesunnecessary power consumption which is undesirable, particularly in thecase of battery-operated control equipment.

In order to be able to adapt particular telecommunication modules tospecific user requirements, there is, for example, a programmingenvironment and interface, the so-called “MUSE platform” (MUSE: ModularUser Software Environment) for the Wavecom company's telecommunicationmodules (see e.g. http:\\www.wavecom.com\products\index.php). Thisallows a user to access the operating/system software originallyimplemented in the telecommunication module so that he/she canselectively modify it. Part of this “MUSE platform” is a softwaredevelopment environment, a so-called “OPEN AT” package which permits theimplementation of new, user-created applications in the original modulesystem software. Information about “OPEN AT” can be found, for example,in a Wavecom publication entitled “Take Command With OPEN AT” (CopyrightWavecom S.A. 10/2001) which is available on the Internet at“www.wavecom.com\products\docs\openATstec.pdf”.

Using the “OPEN AT” software development environment, new applicationscan be designed by a user or operator of the telecommunication module,such as at a PC, integrated into the system software of thetelecommunication module and then transmitted from the PC to thetelecommunication module via a connection to the telecommunicationmodule. This makes it possible to assign additional functionalities tothe telecommunication module on a user-specific basis.

One disadvantage of this solution is that the new applications have tobe translated into the special system language of the telecommunicationmodule, which makes it costly to create the applications. Anotherdisadvantage is that, by implementing the new applications in the systemsoftware of the module, the system software functionality may be changedand, in some cases, impaired (e.g., by modifying the jump instructionsor memory addresses within the system software). More serious faults inthis area even may, in some cases, touch on the operability of theentire telecommunication module. In some circumstances, such changes inthe functionality of the system software may even jeopardize approval ofthe equipment by the relevant authorities and/or agencies.

Based on the prior art, an object of the present invention is,therefore, to provide a low-cost solution for integrating into atelecommunication module additional functionalities and/or applicationswhich can be easily created, set up, modified and/or deleted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This is achieved by a telecommunication module having a system dataprocessor for performing at least one telecommunication activity,particularly for creating and/or setting up and/or implementing and/ormonitoring and/or terminating a telecommunication connection, a controldata processor for automatically executing at least one controlinstruction sequence stored in the telecommunication module, the controlinstruction sequence initializing at least one telecommunicationactivity of the system data processor, and a first connector forconnecting the telecommunication module to an external electronicdevice; in particular, an external control unit or controller.

In a telecommunication module of this kind, additional applicationsand/or functionalities are implemented in the module in the form ofcontrol instruction sequences in the control data processor which islogically separated from the system data processor. As such, there is nodirect intervention in the system software in the telecommunicationmodule and the basic telecommunication functionality of thetelecommunication module remains unchanged. Moreover, when formulating acontrol instruction sequence, the internal design of the system dataprocessor does not need to accounted for in detail or even modified. Itis sufficient to be familiar with the basic functionality of the systemand to know how the functions implemented therein can be initialized,started or triggered by control instructions. This considerablysimplifies the integration of new user-specific applications implementedas a control instruction sequence.

For processing the control instruction sequence, the individual controlinstructions are executed by the control data processor. For thispurpose, the control data processor are implemented, for example, insuch a way that one or more telecommunication activities, such asestablishing a telecommunication connection, reading out certainconnection parameters, transmitting information, receiving informationor terminating the telecommunication connection, are initiated with acontrol command. As part of the execution of this control instruction,the corresponding signals are transmitted from the control dataprocessor to the system data processor. This process is comparable, inprinciple, to the initiation of this telecommunication activity by anexternal control device. In this way, additional functionalities, whichin the case of conventional modules would require the involvement of anexternal unit, can be assigned to the telecommunication module by thecontrol instruction sequence. According to the present invention,telecommunication modules offer the possibility of enablingtelecommunication activities to be performed under the control of boththe control data processor and the external controller.

In this way, the telecommunication module can, for example,independently monitor a connection, regularly request informationconcerning the surrounding base stations of a mobile communicationnetwork to determine the location, or regularly check a mailbox. Thissaves, for example, system resources of the connected control unitwhich, for example, can be in a switched-off or battery-saving standbystate or even engaged in another task. For example, a telecommunicationmodule according to the present invention, which has been set up tooperate in a conventional mobile communication network (e.g., incompliance with the GSM or CDMA standard), also can be used to monitorthe connected telecommunication network for incoming calls via anapplication (control instruction sequence) additionally set up by auser. During this time, the associated controller, such as a PC ormeasuring instrument, can be switched off. If a telecommunicationconnection is required from outside, the module is able to detect thisand switch on the external control device for further operation of thetelecommunication connection.

If the telecommunication module is to perform only very specificfunctions implemented or stored in it as a control instruction sequence(or sequences), it is possible to operate the telecommunication module,at least temporarily, without a controller. This could be implemented,for example, for regular reading of meters and measuring instruments(e.g., heating meters, electricity meters, flow measuring equipment,weather stations), in which case the telecommunication module couldthen, for example, read out the corresponding measured values at regularintervals and transmit them wirelessly to a collecting point. The metersand measuring instruments do not need to possess any controllercharacteristics for this purpose.

An advantage of a telecommunication module according to the presentinvention is that, due to the separation of the control data processorfrom the system data processing means, the processing of a controlinstruction sequence (e.g. a subsequently implemented user-specificapplication) need not be performed inside the system data processor. Asthe system data processing means is controlled via the control dataprocessor, for developing the control instruction sequence the emphasishas to be placed exclusively on the coherence of the control instructionsequence per se, the linking with the system data processor beingassumed by the control data processor. As such, it is comparatively easyfor new kinds of applications to be incorporated in thetelecommunication module, modified or deleted.

A telecommunication module also may contain a number of controlinstruction sequences which either can belogically interlinked orperformed independently of one another. The control data processorassumes and coordinates the processing of the individual controlinstruction sequences. This can be performed, for example, eitherserially (control instruction sequences are processed one after theother) or in parallel (in accordance with a multi-tasking method that isknown, per se).

The instructions which can be executed by the control data processor canbe represented in a way that is freely selectable by thetelecommunication module manufacturer. However, the control instructionsequence advantageously includes at least one Java byte codeinstruction; in particular, a Java 2 MicroEdition byte code instructionor at least one BASIC instruction. These are essentially standardizedinstruction sets. An advantages of this is that a telecommunicationmodule user does not first need to learn the module's specific controlcommand language but can use the generally known standardizedinstruction sets. This simplifies the creation of applications andshortens the familiarization time for the application manufacturer ordeveloper. The latter then only has to concern himself/herself with thefeatures or characteristics of the telecommunication module and howspecific actions are initiated.

Efficient execution of stored control instruction sequences andefficient production of the telecommunication module can be achieved ifthe control data processor includes a storage area for storing the oneor more control instruction sequences and an execution part forexecuting the one or more control instruction sequences. As such, theapplication area of the telecommunication module is separated from thesystem data processor, and the actual application (i.e., the storedcontrol instruction sequence and the associated execution part), aredemarcated from the system data processor. The transition betweenapplication and system area is provided by a connection between theexecution part and the system data processor. When designing atelecommunication module, for example, this separation has the advantagethat one and the same system data processor can be used, irrespective ofwhether a module with or without the possibility of implementingexternal control instruction sequences is provided. This reduces thedevelopment cost/complexity of such modules.

In order to enable the one or more control instruction sequences storedin the telecommunication module to be formulated, at least partially, inone of the essentially standardized programming languages, the executionpart for executing the command sequence may include an execution partfor executing Java and/or BASIC program instructions. In this way, theabove-mentioned advantages of using a standardized programming languagecan be used for creating the control instruction sequence.

In particular, the execution part for executing the user-specificapplication can be implemented as a Java virtual machine and/or BASICinterpreter. A Java virtual machine is an equipment-specific executionunit for programs in the so-called machine-independent Java byte code(generally designated by the suffix .class). A Java byte code of thiskind is obtained if a program consisting of the actual Java programminginstructions (generally designated by the suffix java) is translated bya translation program (Java compiler). This is the normal procedure forwriting Java programs and generally takes place in the developmentenvironment for the Java program, in most cases a PC (personalcomputer), a workstation or a mainframe. After translation, themachine-independent Java byte code is then transferred; e.g., to thetelecommunication module.

The Java virtual machine also may be designed specifically for executingJava instructions associated with the above-mentioned Java 2MicroEdition. This is a modification of the Java programming languagespecifically for small data processing devices such as microcomputers,palmtops, organizers or even mobile telecommunication terminals.

In addition, the execution part can be implemented as a BASICinterpreter; i.e., for processing instructions associated with the BASICprogramming language. Furthermore, the execution part also may be acombination of Java virtual machine and BASIC interpreter. In this case,the execution part can recognize the instruction family to which anindividual control instruction belongs and then process it accordingly.In this way, the advantages of the individual programming languages canbe combined in a particularly favorable manner.

The execution part may include electronic circuits and possibly softwarecomponents stored therein, these being of the type commonly used in dataprocessing devices such as personal computers or minicomputers forcomparable applications.

In order to be able to flexibly adapt the telecommunication module tothe user's needs, the control instruction sequence can be advantageouslycreated and/or modified and/or deleted by the external electronic devicevia the first connector. In this respect, the electronic device can be,for example, a personal computer (PC) on which the user-specific controlinstruction sequence can be developed and from which it then can betransmitted to the telecommunication module. If required, the PC alsocan read out again and modify or even delete the control instructionsequences/applications stored in the telecommunication module. Inaddition, the external electronic device can be a measuring instrumentcontaining facilities for implementing, modifying or deletingapplications in the telecommunication module. These can, in turn, be setup there, for example, by a computer which can be connected to themeasuring instrument, and transmitted to the telecommunication module byoperating elements on the measuring instrument or deleted or modifiedfrom there.

The above-described object likewise may be achieved by a method forcontrolling a telecommunication module wherein the telecommunicationmodule includes a system data processor for performing at least onetelecommunication activity, a control data processor, a first connectorfor connecting the telecommunication module to an external electronicdevice and a second connector for connecting the control data processingmeans to a system data processor, a control instruction sequence beingadditionally stored in the telecommunication module which isautonomously executed and implemented in such a way that, when executed,it initiates the one or more telecommunication activities of the systemdata processor.

The method described enables telecommunication activities of atelecommunication module, which are performed by the system dataprocessor present in the telecommunication module, to be initiated by acontrol program (control instruction sequence; e.g., user-specificapplication) which remain stored in the telecommunication module.

The stored control instructions are interpreted by the control dataprocessor which then initiates appropriate actions such as starting atelecommunication activity. This method employs the advantageousprincipal described above of implementing control data processing whichremain separate from the system data processing of the telecommunicationmodule and which execute the control instruction sequences stored in thetelecommunication module. The fact that access to the system dataprocessor takes place according to the present invention via the controldata processor has the advantage that, when creating the controlinstruction sequence, the details of the system data processor do notneed to be taken into account. This makes user-specific applicationsconsiderably easier to produce.

The controlling of conventional telecommunication modules via externalcontrol devices or controllers generally takes place via so-called ATcontrol commands. With these AT control commands, the control unit orcontroller initiates the required telecommunication activities in thetelecommunication module. In order to optimize the development time forthe telecommunication modules according to the present invention andsubsequent applications therefor, AT control commands likewise may beused, from the control data processor, for controlling the system dataprocessing means. These are then transmitted by the control dataprocessor to the system data processor via the second connector as partof executing a control instruction sequence/application. As the systemdata processor is generally already set up for executing the AT controlcommands (for control by the external controller), in some cases theconfiguration of the system data processor can be taken over fromconventional modules, with only slight modifications, for developingtelecommunication modules according to the present invention. Thisoptimizes the development cost/complexity for modules according to thepresent invention. A combination of AT control commands and othercontrol commands also may be used for controlling the system dataprocessor. This enables the functionality of the module to beadditionally extended.

An advantageous embodiment of the control data processor emerges if theone or more control instruction sequences contain at least one Java bytecode instruction; in particular, a Java 2 MicroEdition byte codeinstruction or at least one BASIC instruction. As Java, Java 2MicroEdition and BASIC are essentially standardized programminglanguages, these are particularly easy to learn or already known by theuser. The use of such instructions saves user time and effort forprogramming the control instruction sequences and allows a degree ofportability of newly developed applications between different modules.

In addition, the control data processor may be suitable for transferringdata to the external electronic device via the first connector. In thisway, for example, an application running in the telecommunication modulecan then transfer data, which the telecommunication module has receivedvia a telecommunication connection, to the connected external electronicdevice. This might be, for example, text, image or control data receivedvia the telecommunication network. In this context, control data can be,for example, instructions to be executed directly or even programsections, modifications or entire applications to be implemented in theelectronic device. In this way, for example, a remote user can controlthe external electronic device directly via the telecommunication deviceand initiate specific activities thereat. Moreover, the data transmittedfrom the control data processor to the external electronic equipmentalso may be data which has been generated in the telecommunicationmodule itself. This may be data relating to the existingtelecommunication connection (e.g., transmission rates, transmit power,nearest base station, present call duration) but also, for example,control instructions; e.g., for switching the external device on or off.

The control instruction sequence stored in the telecommunication modulecan be run in various ways. For example, it can be initiated by theexternal electronic device. In addition, execution of the user-specificapplication can be initiated by establishing a connection from thetelecommunication module to a power supply device. As such, for example,when the telecommunication module is plugged into the appropriatemounting facility of a computer or measuring instrument, an applicationsuch as searching for a connection to a communication network isexecuted automatically. It is also possible for a correspondingapplication to be initiated both when establishing a connection to apower supply device and by the external electronic device.

In addition, the control instruction sequence can be implemented in sucha way that the instruction sequence, or part thereof, can, if necessary,be repeated at least once after a specified intervening time period haselapsed. This multiple execution of an application, or part thereof, issuitable, for example, for monitoring a telecommunication connection orfor implementing a standby mode in which the telecommunication module,for example, regularly checks only whether a connection request from thetelecommunication network to the module is present.

Another possible application for using telecommunication modules inwireless communication networks such as, for example, a GSM network, isfor the independent regular checking of the connection data to thesurrounding base stations by the module. This data then can, forexample, continue to be transmitted to the external electronic device orbe transmitted by SMS (Short Message Service) to a particular receiverin the telecommunication network for determining the location of themodule. In the second case, the external electronic device would not beinvolved in the application in any way.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the following DetailedDescription of the Invention and the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the telecommunication module accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, the basic configuration of atelecommunication module 10 according to the present invention. Thisincludes, in the area of the system data processor 20, 22, 24, an areafor storing and executing the actual module system software 22 whichcontrols the operation of the basic telecommunication activities of themodule 10. The system data processor 20, 22, 24 also includes an ATcommand interpreter 20 which translates AT control commands to themodule's system language and transfers them between AT commandinterpreter 20 and system 22 via the connection 24. Thetelecommunication module 10 additionally includes an area for executingcontrol programs (script interpreter) 30 which, in this context are alsoknown as scripts. One or more control programs or scripts are stored inthe memory 32 and transferred from there via the connection 34 to thecontrol data processor referred to as a script interpreter. Depending onthe instruction executed, the script interpreter 30 transmits signalsand/or data via the connection 26 to the AT command interpreter or viathe connection 28 directly to the system area of the module or via theconnection 36 to the serial interface 40 of the module. The serialinterface 40, such as a GPRS (General Purpose Input/Output), RS 232 orV.24 interface of the module, includes electronic circuits andconnection parts for establishing a connection 44 to an external controlunit 42, the functionality of the interface 40 also being modifiable bythe telecommunication module 10.

The telecommunication module 10 illustrated is a telecommunicationmodule 10 for a wireless mobile communication network to which thetelecommunication module 10 is or can be connected via the antenna 50.

Via an external control unit 42, such as a PC, a new application for thetelecommunication module can be transferred via the connection 44, theserial interface 40 and the connections 36 and 34 to the memory area 32for the control instruction sequence. If the external electronic devicethen sends a start instruction to the script interpreter 30 to executethe control instruction sequence, or if the script interpreter 30 startsthe control instruction sequence itself, the latter loads the relevantcontrol instructions from the memory area 32 via the connection 34 andexecutes them accordingly. If the control instruction indicates, forexample, that a particular telecommunication activity is to be initiatedvia an AT command, the script interpreter 30 transmits the correspondingAT command via the connection 26 to the AT command interpreter 20. Thelatter, in turn, forwards the data corresponding to the AT command viathe connection 24 to the system area 22 of the telecommunication module.The module system then performs the corresponding communicationactivities via the antenna 50. Data received in this process can, inturn, for example, be fed back via the connection 28 from the systemarea to the script interpreter area. This can either process thecorresponding information or forward it via the serial interface 40 tothe external unit 42.

Using a telecommunication module 10 as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible,for example, to locate the telecommunication module 10 in a GSM mobilenetwork without involving the external controller 42. For this purpose,a control instruction sequence stored in a memory area 32 is formulatedin such a way that the telecommunication module 10 periodically solicitsconnection information such as channel number, adjacent cells or receivelevel of the current cell via the execution of specific AT commands. Theinformation is transferred from the module system 22 to the scriptinterpreter 30. Moreover, the control program is designed in such a waythat it causes this data to be transmitted by SMS from the module system22 via the antenna 50 to a remote receiver which uses this informationto determine the location of the telecommunication module.

The outputting of strings to an external display unit, for example, alsomay be implemented in a similar way.

In addition, for example, an application which, at least among otherthings, forwards control instructions received via the telecommunicationnetwork for controlling the external unit 42 to the external unit 42 canbe set up in the memory area 32 of the module 10.

The present invention describes a telecommunication module and a methodfor operating a telecommunication module which includes a control dataprocessor for automatically executing at least one control instructionsequence stored in the telecommunication module, the one or more controlinstruction sequences being implemented in such a way that, whenexecuted, they initiate at least one telecommunication activity of thesystem data processor of the telecommunication module. Through thepossibility of integrating and running applications in thetelecommunication module independently of the operating system of thetelecommunication module, the possible uses of telecommunication modulesare significantly increased. This additionally makes it possible, inparticular, for simple monitoring activities of the controller normallyconnected to the telecommunication module to be transferred to thetelecommunication module, thereby reducing the controller workload. Inthis way, the actual activity of the controller (e.g., measuringinstrument or PC) may be speed up and the energy resources of thecontroller protected. For standard applications it is additionallypossible to dispense with an external controller and to implement thecontrol activities via control instruction sequences within the module.

Although the present invention has been described with reference tospecific embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as set forth in the hereafter appended claims.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

1. A telecommunication module directly connected to a wireless mobilecommunication network, comprising: a system data processor forperforming at least one telecommunication activity, the at least onetelecommunication activity being exclusively limited to at least one ofcreating, setting up, implementing, monitoring and terminating atelecommunication connection with the wireless mobile communication; acontrol data processor that is logically separated from the system dataprocessor, said control data processor automatically executing at leastone control instruction sequence stored in the telecommunication module,the at least one control instruction sequence being implemented suchthat, upon execution, the at least one telecommunication activity isinitiated; and a connector for further connecting the control dataprocessor to an external electronic device; wherein the at least onecontrol instruction sequence contains of at least one Java 2MicroEdition byte code instruction and at least one BASIC instruction.2. A telecommunication module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controldata processor includes a storage part for storing the at least onecontrol instruction sequence and an execution part for executing the atleast one control instruction sequence.
 3. A telecommunication module asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the execution part executes at least one ofJava instructions and BASIC instructions.
 4. A telecommunication moduleas claimed in claim 2, wherein the execution part includes at least oneof a Java virtual machine and a BASIC interpreter.
 5. Atelecommunication module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least onecontrol instruction sequence may be at least one of setup, modified anddeleted by the external electronic device via the connector.
 6. A methodfor controlling a telecommunication module directly connected to awireless mobile communication network, the method comprising: providingthat the telecommunication module include a system data processor forperforming at least one telecommunication activity, the at least onetelecommunication activity being exclusively limited to at least one ofcreating, setting up, implementing, monitoring and terminating atelecommunication connection with the wireless mobile communicationnetwork; providing that the telecommunication module include a controldata processor that is logically separated from the system dataprocessor; providing that the telecommunication module include a firstconnector for connecting the telecommunication module to an externalelectronic device; providing that the telecommunication module include asecond connector for connecting the control data processor to the systemdata processor; storing at least one control instruction sequence in thetelecommunication module; and automatically executing the at least onecontrol instruction sequence stored in the telecommunication module suchthat the at least one control instruction sequence initiates the atleast one telecommunication activity of the system data processor;wherein the at least one control instruction sequence contains of atleast one Java 2 MicroEdition byte code instruction and at least oneBASIC instruction.
 7. A method for controlling a telecommunicationmodule as claimed in claim 6, wherein for the automatic execution of theat least control instruction sequence, at least one AT control commandis transmitted from the control data processor via the second connectorto the system data processor.
 8. A method for controlling atelecommunication module as claimed in claim 6, wherein the data istransferred from the control data processor via the first connector tothe external electronic device.
 9. A method for controlling atelecommunication module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the datacontains instructions for controlling the external electronic device.10. A method for controlling a telecommunication module as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the at least one control instruction sequence stored inthe telecommunication module may be at least one of created, modifiedand deleted by the external electronic device.
 11. A method forcontrolling a telecommunication module as claimed in claim 6, whereinthe automatic execution of the at least one control instruction sequenceis initiated by at least one of the external electronic device andestablishment of a connection from the telecommunication module to apower supply device.
 12. A method for controlling a telecommunicationmodule as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one controlinstruction sequence is implemented such that one particular controlinstruction sequence is repeated at least once.
 13. A method forcontrolling a telecommunication module as claimed in claim 12, whereinthe repetition of the one particular control instruction sequence occursonce a specified intervening time period has elapsed.